Page 4 - The process of Research Design Flashcards
What is ontology
Branch of philosphy concered with the nature of existence or reality
What is a realist ontology
Ontological position assume an object is determined by it’’s ‘essential properties’
What is a relational ontology
Ontologicla position assumimg an object is determined by it’s ‘context and essential propertu’
What is epistemology
Branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of knowledge.
- How do we know our knowledge is valid/true
- What are the limits
- Distinguish between truth, belief, and opinion?
What is empiricism
Subset of epistemology which holds that knowledge is ‘out there’ and can be observed and measured
What is constructionism
Subset of epistemology which holds that knowledge is constructed by people based on their subjective experiences
What is involved in the quantitative approach
Objective facts Focus on variables Reliability key factor Value Free Separate theory and data Independent of context Many cases/subjects Statistical Analysis
What is involved in the Qualitative approach
Construct scoail reality, cultural meaning Interactive process Authenticity key factor Values present and explicit Theory and data fused Situationally constrained Few case/subjects Thematic Analysis Researcher involved
Non-experimental/Correlation designs
No alteration to the IV
Does not allow for causational inference
Snapshot/crosssectional
Direction/strength and statistical significance
Experimental Design
Allows for causational inference
Involved >1 IV + DV
Randomly assigned groups
Measuring group differences on the DV
Quasi-experimental
Same as experimental, but groups are not randomly assigned
Causational relationship may not be inferred due to lack of randomisation
Often used due to ethical constraints
Descriptive Research
Most of social research Detailed, highly accurate picture New data that contradicts past data Document a causal process of mechanism Surverys, field research, content analysis,
Exploratory Research
Generate new ideas, conjectures or hypothese
Feasibiliity of research
Explanatory/experimental research
Test theory’s predictions or principle
Extend to new issues or topics
Determine which of several explanations is best
Why must we be reflectivei and inspired when designing research
May be unable to operational research variable in pactice
Not have a statisitcal skills or knowledge to perform research
